EU countries implement new procedure improving measurement of vehicle fuel consumption and emissions
As of 1 September 2017, consumers in Europe will benefit from more accurate information on vehicle fuel consumption and emissions thanks to the entry into force of a new standard testing procedure (the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure or WLTP). With WLTP, the test cycle ran by the type approval authority in a laboratory is performed on a test bench with a running car, which is accelerated and decelerated according to a well-defined speed profile, allowing the measurement of not only the level of gaseous pollutants, but also of the CO2 emissions and, thus, the fuel consumption level.The implementation from September 2017 of the WLTP test cycle within the 28 member countries of the EU, and EFTA countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), represents the first legally binding use of the procedure. While WLTP will initially be reserved for new vehicle models, from September 2018 it will apply to all new vehicles sold within the EU.
WLTP was designed based on data gathered in countries all around the world. It is therefore globally applicable and can help to improve the accuracy of vehicle testing procedures worldwide, supporting effective policies at city, national and regional levels to mitigate emissions, particularly CO2 and greenhouse gases. UNECE encourages all countries to implement WLTP. The World Forum will develop a UN Regulation on WLTP, which will support countries for its use.